Favorite Business-Related Podcasts Startup Founders Recommend

Podcasts are a wonderful source of information and entertainment, and there are numerous ones available that focus on the business world. But are they worth everyone’s time, or should company leaders avoid assigning “homework?” To find out, we asked members from the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) this question:

“Do you encourage employees to listen to business-related podcasts? If so, which ones are your favorites?”

Podcasts Recommended by Startup Founders

Here’s what YEC community members had to say:

1. ‘Startup’

“Alex Blumberg’s very meta podcast about a startup that covers startups is a great podcast. It helps give employees wider context about how difficult this startup journey really is. That helps prepare them for the inevitable roller coaster that is startup life. I’ve had great conversations with a number of my employees about the podcast, and highly recommend it.” ~ Mitch Gordon, Go Overseas

“Being a startup means frequent change. For a junior person, that can lead to a feeling of thrashing. We’ve found that hearing stories about other startups can help provide context. A few favorites are “This Week in Startups” (focused on bigger companies), “Startup School Radio” from Y Combinator, and Jerry Colonna’s “Reboot Podcast,” which gives tools for dealing with the stress of startup life.” ~ Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches

3. ‘The Tim Ferriss Show’

“‘The Tim Ferriss Show‘ is a great exploration of some of the highest-performing people alive right now. It has in-depth interviews and interesting guests every time. I think podcasts are a great way to learn, so I encourage my team to take advantage of them as often as possible.” ~ Adam Steele, Loganix

4. ‘The Top’

“I learned through a lot of trial and error that ‘telling’ people doesn’t really motivate or really encourage them to listen to podcasts. So rather than tell, I share the emotional stories I heard or learned about on the podcasts. Nathan Latka’s podcast “The Top” has so many amazing stories of success and growth that it’s easy to tell people about how and why they should listen to it.” ~ Chris Brisson, Salesmsg

6. ‘The Optimized Geek’ and ‘Marketing Speak’

“My office is a big fan of Stephan Spencer’s “The Optimized Geek” and “Marketing Speak” podcasts. I encourage my team to listen to these podcasts as continuing education around digital marketing and also entrepreneurship. Stephan brings on guests with proven track records of success, and while he spends time allowing the listener to get to know his guest, he gets them to always deliver actionable tips.” ~ Kristopher Jones, LSEO.com

7. ‘EntreLeadership’

“I encourage all of my employees to learn as much as they can about the digital marketing industry, whether it’s reading blogs, watching videos, or listening to podcasts. One of my favorite podcasts is “EntreLeadership.” These speakers have tremendous success in their businesses, and they share valuable lessons that are applicable to many aspects of business and life in general.” ~ Duran Inci, Optimum7

9. ‘Eventual Millionaire’

“I like “Eventual Millionaire” and feel like it is good for all team members, because it covers so many important topics about being successful in business no matter what your position or industry. There are lots of action-oriented tips to implement to improve your own career and contribute to the success of a company.” ~ Andrew O’Connor, American Addiction Centers

10. ‘Serial’ and ‘Built On Purpose’

“I learn more how employees spend their time in the car during a work commute. For those who have commutes, I encourage them to listen to entertaining podcasts like “Serial” as a way to introduce them to the medium. Then I’ll recommend that they take a listen to the “Built On Purpose” podcast as a way to learn more about business. Podcasts are both a great learning and employee engagement tool.” ~ Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

“I love podcasts and think they’re incredibly helpful and educational, but I don’t limit my suggestions to only business-aimed podcasts. I believe there is something to be taken from a lot of podcasts. If “Stuff You Should Know” or “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” educates my team, inspires them and helps them think outside of the box, that’s great! Though I always enjoy ‘We Study Billionaires.'” ~ Renato Libric, Bouxtie Inc

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched StartupCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.

Solid list. One of my favorites is “Startups for the Rest of Us.” It focuses heavily on early stage companies and individuals trying to get a product off the ground. They cover some great topics that every stage of startup can find useful as well.

Subscribe

Sponsor Spotlight

Would You Take My Survey Please?Inquiring minds like Ginger Kitty want to know. What excites small business owners like you and their employees when it comes to energy? Is it saving the environment? Is it cost savings? Do tell!
Yes, I’ll Take It! >>

About Small Business Trends

Founded in 2003, Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. It is one of the most popular independent small business publications on the web.

Together with hundreds of expert contributors, Small Business Trends brings you the news, advice and resources you need. "Small business success... delivered daily."